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Atkinson — Jo Ann Brown, 88, of Atkinson, died Friday, Mar...

Elizabeth "Betty" Hamik

Jan 20, 2022 (0)

Elizabeth "Betty" Hamik, 85, of O'Neill, died Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2022 at Kearney Regional Medical Center in Kearney.

A private family funeral mass was held Saturday, Jan. 15, 2022 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in O'Neill. Fr. Bernard Starman officiated.

Burial was in the O'Neill Cemetery in O'Neill.

Memorials may be made to St. Patrick's Catholic Church, St. Mary's Catholic Schools, Golden Age Center, Meals on Wheels or the Sisters of Mercy in Betty's name.

Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill is in charge of the arrangements.

Betty lived aware of the presence of God in her life. On her refrigerator is this quote she read every day and believed: “Good Morning! This is God. I will be handling all of your problems today and I won™t be needing any of YOUR help. Thank You. I love You! God.”

Born into a faith-filled family, Betty was the second daughter of Earl and Agnes (Jansen) Baldwin and lived her early life in Fremont. She had two sisters and two half-brothers. Attending St. Patrick grade school and high school, she graduated valedictorian of her 1954 class. 

She married Robert Novak in June 1955 and to this union, nine children were born Cindy, Kris, Terri, T.J., Debra, Scott, Steve, David and Tracy. The marriage dissolved in 1978.

Betty married Tom Schaub in 1982, gaining four step-children Angie, Barb, Sheryl and Matt. Tom died in 2003. 

After living alone for several years, she and Chuck Hamik married in 2008, adding three more step-children to the family Greg, Cathy and Linda.

Today it all adds up to over 100 grandchildren, great-grandchildren and step-grandchildren.

Even more telling than the ‘immediate family' numbers are Betty™s words to the children: “Get along and be kind.” Betty lived by these words and all who knew her could attest to it. She lived in O™Neill for over 50 years and made a lasting impression on all who knew her.

Betty had many interests. She was an avid Nebraska Husker volleyball and football fan, never missing a televised game. Betty loved quilting and quilted many quilts, wall hangings and table runners for family and friends to treasure. She loved pickle cards, gambling, playing bridge and dominos with friends, and attending many sporting events and activities of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She never missed a birthday, always sending cards followed up by a telephone birthday song. She loved being with people, maintaining long-term relationships especially with her high school classmates and the morning coffee group at McDonald™s and Westside. 

Betty lived a life of service to others. She was an avid member of St. Patrick™s Catholic Church, involved in Altar Society, Catholic Daughters, Sacristan and choir. Betty was also involved in organizing volunteers and delivering Meals on Wheels. She was always willing to lend a helping hand when needed.

Betty was a model of forgiveness for her children and all who knew her. Her sister commented several times that Betty was like their mother, whom many have labeled ‘A Saint.™ We are all Blessed by having been in her presence and know her, please share the ‘Good News!™

Betty is survived by her nine children Cindy (Pat) Cole, Kris (Rod) Bulau and Terri (Roger) Ruzicka, all of O™Neill, T.J. (Sally) Novak of Lincoln, Debra (Chuck) Zeman of Kearney, Scott (Mary) Novak of O™Neill, Steve (Barb) Novak of Lake Andes, SD, David (Tammy) Novak of Templeton, Iowa and Tracy (Steve) Schaaf of Lincoln; seven step-children Angie (Charlie) Schaaf of O™Neill, Sheryl (Bruce) Curtis of Imperial, Barb (Wayne) Heese of O™Neill, Matt Schaub of Wayne, Greg (Julie) Hamik and Linda Hamik, both of Grand Island, and Cathy (Pat) Kennedy of Kearney; over 100 grandchildren and step-grandchildren; one sister Colette (Judy) Baldwin, RSM of Omaha; and nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents Earl and Agnes Baldwin; one sister Rosie Anderson, two husbands Tom Schaub and Charles Hamik, two half-brothers Jerry and Bob Baldwin and one granddaughter-in-law Michelle Bulau.

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